Journal of lipid research

How Fatty Acids May Affect Brain Degeneration and Possible Treatments

Updated

Abstract

Short-chain fatty acids generated by gut microbiota may regulate neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier integrity.

  • Fatty acids (FAs) have diverse roles in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
  • Short-chain FAs influence gut-brain communication and immune responses through epigenetic changes.
  • Medium-chain FAs may enhance energy metabolism and neuromuscular function in models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as DHA and EPA, support neuronal health by maintaining membrane integrity and reducing oxidative stress.
  • Certain saturated and n-6 fatty acids could worsen neurodegeneration by promoting inflammation and oxidative damage.
  • Fatty acids are implicated in critical pathological processes including mitochondrial dysfunction and blood-brain barrier disruption.

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Competing interests

Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest with the contents of this article.
PubMed

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